Keeping in line with the modernisation of prisons project envisioned by the Union Home Ministry, closed-circuit television (CCTVs) cameras have been put in place in prisons sheltering women inmates.
The cameras have been put in place nearly eight years after the Maharashtra prison department scrapped a plan to install CCTV cameras inside the women’s prison following a protest launched by jail inmates. Officials said that the cameras have been installed in each of the barracks of the women’s prison.
In April 2022, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had written to all states and Union Territories issuing guidelines and advisories on prison reforms. The MHA had said that it would be providing a grant-in-aid for ‘modernisation of prisons’ project for a period of five years for use of modern security equipment in prisons to enhance the security in jails. The Home Ministry had said that it would provide funds to states depending on the number of prisons, inmates and undertrials.
The official added that the CCTV cameras will help keep a vigil on the conduct of the staff as well as capture any untoward incident that takes place involving the inmates and staffers.
In 2015, a similar drive to install CCTV cameras in the barracks led to protests by inmates who said it would be a violation of their right to privacy.
Officials said that while this time there were no protests, some inmates have voiced concerns about their privacy. Inmates said that they had apprehension about being watched over at all times. Officials said that access to the CCTV control room is only with female staff. Officials said as part of the project, CCTV cameras will be installed within barracks too to ensure law and order is maintained and there is constant supervision.
“So far, prisons such as the ones in Thane, Kolhapur and Byculla, had CCTV cameras installed in the barracks. Keeping in line with the Union Ministry’s guidelines, steps will be taken towards the modernisation of prisons. While drones are also being put to use for surveillance, eventually staffers will also be equipped with body-worn cameras,” said a senior official.
